Lithuania swears in first woman president

VILNIUS, Lithuania - The first female president of Lithuania took office Sunday, promising to use her financial experience to help the Baltic state tackle one of the worst economic crises in the European Union.

In her speech after the inauguration ceremony, Dalia Grybauskaite, a former finance minister and European Union budget commissioner, called on Lithuanians to take a long-term view as they worked to implement reforms in the country.

"We hear the word 'crisis' every day. But while fighting the fire today, we must think about tomorrow," Grybauskaite said. "Let's consolidate power for change that will lay the foundation for decades to come."

She singled out judicial reform and promotion of small businesses as two areas she would focus on.

Grybauskaite's presidency represents a generational shift for Lithuania's political leadership. She succeeds Valdus Adamkus, who at 82 was the oldest president in the EU. At 53, Grybauskaite will be one of the youngest.

"In this crisis period people are impressed by her status as EU budget chief, and there are high hopes that Grybauskaite may help to deal with these (economic) challenges," said political analyst Antanas Kulakauskas.

"It is likely to happen as she has good a dialogue with the government," he added.

Lithuania's economy is expected to shrink by more than 10 percent this year after years of rapid growth following EU membership in 2004.

Many Lithuanians fear increasing dependence on Russia for energy after the country is forced to shut down its Soviet-era nuclear reactor in December. The Chernobyl-type reactor must be closed according to a pre-membership agreement reached with the EU.

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